Abstract:High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are emerging alloy materials in recent years, breaking the inherent concept of designing traditional alloy compositions based on 1?2 major elements. Due to their unique structural features and performance advantages conferred by their multi-principal-element combinations, HEAs exhibit wide application prospects in marine engineering. In this review, the basic concepts and development status of HEAs have been introduced. Furthermore, their technological breakthrough, performance features, and corresponding mechanism analysis in different scenarios, including structural mechanics, coating protection, corrosion resistance, radiation tolerance, and component fabrication, have been reviewed. Special attention has been paid to the development status and application scenarios of HEAs in the field of shipbuilding and marine engineering. Some prominent problems currently existing in the research process of HEAs have been summarized, aiming to propose design methods and preparation directions of HEAs. More importantly, it also clarified novel development strategies to solve practical problems such as a series of corrosion and protection issues faced by HEAs under complex service conditions including marine engineering, along with new ideas for the future development of advanced HEAs that possess superior comprehensive performance and enhanced environmental adaptability.